The delay of the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) results and the postponement of the Advanced Level (A/L) examinations have left students in frustration, anxiety and uncertainty. A cross section of educators and students and a psychiatrist shared their views with the Education Times on their concerns. Andrew Fowler-Watt, former Principal of Colombo International School, the [...]

Education

Students and educators on delayed exams and results

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The delay of the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) results and the postponement of the Advanced Level (A/L) examinations have left students in frustration, anxiety and uncertainty.

A cross section of educators and students and a psychiatrist shared their views with the Education Times on their concerns.

Andrew Fowler-Watt, former Principal of Colombo International School, the British School in Colombo and Trinity College Kandy, said there was a need to make smart decisions.

“This is a global and generational affliction. The idiom ‘when one door closes, another opens’ does not mean one must rush. My advice is to keep a level head, exercise your minds, and not allow life to fritter away,” he said.

Nelum De Alwis, the Principal of Hillwood College in Kandy, highlighted monotony, anxiety, and stagnation.

“The sentiments of the students revolve around wasted time and opportunities,”
she said.

To help guide students towards positivity, she suggested extracurricular, virtual art exhibitions, and having guest speakers speak on various topics.

“My goal is to mould students differently to ensure the quality and calibre of student grooming is up to par because such things leave a lasting impression,” Ms De Alwis said.

“The existential problem for students is the digression of focus. Thereby leading to a dehumanising sense of disenchantment as student self-esteem lowers,” Rev. Araliya Jayasundara, Principal of Trinity College in Kandy said.

He said parents may
not understand a child in the digital age.

“School is trying to bring the world to the school in both local and international aspects. This includes partnerships with reputed institutions on foundation courses to help straighten the line and bridge the gap towards university,” he added.

“A/L students are confused about their place in school, targets, and motivation,” said Savini Tennakoon, Deputy Principal (Academic) of Asian Grammar School in Colombo.

She recommended students take a gap year for reputed courses or internships to enhance skills.

“There are six main observations I have made about a student’s state of mind: uncertainty, frustration, stress, generalised anxiety, depression, and screen and gaming addiction disorders leading to deviated focus,” said Darshini Hettiarachchi, a consultant childand adolescent psychiatrist with 15 years of experience.

Her advice to parents on supporting their children is to avoid high expressed emotions such as hostility and anger.

“Ensure and increase emotional availability by spending at least half an hour talking to and listening to children, and have realistic expectations,” she said.

“Teachers must avoid critical comments and comparing students because not everyone had the same experience with online learning. Most importantly, teachers should be mindful of their well-being since you ‘cannot pour from an empty cup,” she added.

Several students from the O/L and A/L grades said the delay in A/Ls will also have an impact
on their applications to foreign universities.

“Delayed exams mean delayed results,” one of them said.

Graham Mack, a Prefect
and A/L student of St. Thomas’ College in Mount Lavinia, aspires to get into Business Management. He wants to complete his A/Ls even with
the delays.

Isuri Mapa, Head Prefect of Hillwood College in Kandy, plans to enter a local university to study Software Engineering. While pursuing her A/Ls, she
is also thinking of following
an external course to be well grounded.

“Researching on a variety of topics, and talking to parents and friends helps to overcome the negativity,” she said.

Bishal Perera, an O/L student at St. Sebastian’s College in Moratuwa, chose to begin courses with an online university due to the delay of O/L results.

“I originally planned on doing my A/Ls, however, I realised that my schooling career will be unnecessarily lengthened,” he said. He also tried his hand at music production and spent more time practicing the guitar as an outlet for stress relief.

-Dina Mendis

 

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